Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the Midwest
Severe thunderstorms are set to hit the Midwest on Monday. These storms can bring damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes, especially in the afternoon and evening.
The areas most at risk are from central Iowa to southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin, encompassing cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul. The National Weather Service categorizes this as a moderate risk—Level 4 out of 5—which implies wind speeds could exceed 60 miles per hour, with hail larger than quarters being possible.
Meteorologist Ashley Bury noted, “While the threat of tornadoes is lower, it’s still something we need to monitor. Depending on how things develop, we could see some significant tornado activity.”
Rarity of Such Severe Threats
Typically, thunderstorms are common during spring in this region. However, a moderate threat level is less frequent. Bury pointed out, “We don’t often see this level of alert for our area.”
A marginal risk—Level 1 out of 4—extends from the Northern Plains to the Upper Midwest, including the Quad Cities and Milwaukee, which could experience localized flash flooding.
Recent Storm Trends
It’s worth noting that last week, thunderstorms in the Central United States already caused significant damage. Reports included grapefruit-sized hail in Texas and over a dozen tornadoes in the Great Plains. In New Orleans, heavy rains led to flooding.
Meteorologist Rich Bann explained that Monday’s storms are linked to a stronger system. “Initially, there will be a couple of systems, but they will merge into a more organized storm as the day progresses.”
Upcoming Weather Changes
On Tuesday, the severe weather is expected to move further east into Oklahoma and parts of the Ohio Valley and Northeast. While the risk of tornadoes will decrease, damaging winds and large hail will still be a concern in these areas.
Conclusion
With severe thunderstorms approaching, it’s vital for residents to stay alert and monitor weather updates. These storms can evolve rapidly, and being prepared is essential for safety.
For more detailed updates, visit the National Weather Service here.
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Weather,Rain,Floods,Wind,National Weather Service,Great Plains (US),Great Lakes,Madison (Wis),Midwestern States (US)